Apparatus for and method of inspecting container means

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for and method of inspecting wall means of containers utilizing a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device and a high speed rotatable carrier for serially moving each of the containers between such devices to enable any opening in the walls of the containers to be detected by light passing therethrough to energize the photosensitive device which in turn actuates a mechanism to reject the particular defective container.

11] 3,750,877 [4 1 Aug. 7, 1973 United States Patent [1 1 Dvacho et a1.

3,415,370 12/1968 Husome........,.................. 209/111.7 2,682,8027/1954 Fedorchak et 209/111 7 3,351,198

[ APPARATUS FOR AND METHOD OF INSPECTING CONTAINER MEANS n O s p m 0 h T& s S b mm n. n, 6 W NL m m am U, n mn mh G x E W a m mm PA h t O b mhmA mm M B a m m d Cn 0 C ob cs ma Wm 2V D. M an mm m m nfi V.@ 8 e...DPo RR m m v a h A M M 7 7 [22] Filed: Nov. 23, 1970 T C A R T S B A H Um a D n .m m .m m. D. A It s MU AM oh e R M. p A m [63] Continuation ofSer. No. 774,776, Nov. 12, 1968,

abandoned.

An apparatus for and method of in of containers utilizing a lightspecting wall means -emitting device, a photo- [52] 209/73, 209M113209/82 sensitive device and a high speed rotatable carrier for 356/237250/223 serially moving each of the containers between such 51 Int. B07c5/342 device-81 enable any P in the walls [58] Field ofSearch...................... 209/111.7, 111.6,

tainers to be detected by light passing therethrough to energize thephotosensitive device which in turn actu ates a mechanism to re ect theparticular defective container.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 12/1968 3,416,659 Linderman etal. 209/11 1.7 42 Claims, 19 Drawing Figures PATENIEU 9 SHEEI 01 0F 10 ENTOR S DAN S. CVACHO PATRICK A. FASTABEND BY g/m, Lane a 'n'lmpson.

THEIR ATTORNEYS PATENIED 3.750.877

sum 02 ur 1o mvemoas DANIEL S.CVAGHO 3 PATRICK AFASTABEND BYg/nm, PalmerLyne @656 q 'ihumpsorv THEIR ATTOR NE YS PAIENIiBwc ms $750,877

sum 0311f 10 FIG. 4A

INVENTORS DANIEL S.CVACHO PATRICK A.FASTABEND p W PLIMU L e THEIRATTORNEYS PATENIEB AM; 71975 mwdE Q m E1 5 i. a v 4 Z. J? 4&1 1/? 3 1omn w INVENTORS DANIEL s. CVACHO PATRICK AFASTABEND sum ouor 10 THEIRATTORNEYS PATENTED AUG 7 I975 sum as or 1o IN N RICK A.FAS

DANlE HO PAT ABEND THEIIR ATTOR NEYS PATmIwmc ma $750,877,

INVE NTOR S DANIEL S1. CVACHO PATRICK AFASTABEND BY glam, PQlMQ lj qgibbfi Thompm THEIR! ATTORNEYS PATENIEU AUG EET 08 HF 1o 0v mm;

mmm

INVENTORS DANIEL S. CVACHO Nmm PATRICK A.FASTABEND BY glow, @QJMQA)THEIR ATTORNEYS PATENIEDMIB Hm 3.760.877

INVENTOR DANIEL S. CVACHO PATRICK A. FASTABEN THEIR ATTOR NEYS APPARATUSFOR AND METHOD OF INSPECTING CONTAINER MEANS This application is acontinuation of Ser. No. 774,776, filed Nov. 12, I968, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Can bodies and the like may requireinspection in the course of manufacture to determine whether there areopenings through the walls or cracked edges around the open ends whichmight render the cans unacceptable for containing a fluid product. Ithas long been conventional to use compressed air to check thefluidretention ability of can bodies. A recent development in the art isthe use of light to detect wall openings and edge cracks in can bodies.

SUMMARY The present invention provides improved apparatus and method forsuccesful handling of can bodies and the like as they are passed througha light inspection station. Very small openings or edge cracks can bedetected and unacceptable units rejected as a long series of can bodiesare passed through the apparatus at high speeds (such as several hundredunits per minute) in the course of normal plant operations.

Other details, uses, and advantages of this invention will becomeapparent as the following description of the embodiments thereofpresented in the accompanying drawings proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings illustratepresent exemplary embodiments of this invention, in which FIG. I is aperspective view illustrating one exemplary embodiment of the apparatusof this invention which is particularly adapted for inspecting the wallmeans of containers such as metal cans to determine the presence of anysmall openings in such wall means and which utilizes a light-emittingdevice to emit light which is used as the inspection medium forinspecting the containers at high speed;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view particularly illustrating aplurality of electric lights comprising the light-emitting device of theapparatus of FIG. I mounted on a hinged support therefor adjacent arotatable carrier comprising such apparatus;

FIG. 3 is a view taken essentially on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1 and alsoschematically illustrating associated electrical circuitry used inassociation with the illustrated mechanical components to provide acomplete system for automatically inspecting the wall means of thecontainers for small openings therein;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate a view taken on the line 4A & B 4A 81. B ofFIG. 3 upon aligning FIGS. 4A and 48 along their respective break lines4A-4A and 48-48;

FIG. 5 is a view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 4A;

FIG. 6 is a view with parts in section and parts broken away takenessentially on the line 66 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary view taken essentially on the line 7--7 of FIG.4A;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the drive system for the apparatus of FIG.1 and particularly illustrating the drive motor, main gear box, andassociated gears and shafts;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view in elevation with parts in section andparts broken away particularly illustrating the relative positions ofthe various components of the drive system for the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a view with parts in section and parts broken away takenessentially on the line l0-l0 of FIG.

FIG. 11 is a view taken on the line Il-l I of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a view particularly illustrating the manner in which anacceptable can is discharged from the ap paratus of FIG. 1 through theuse of a unique linkage system;

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view with parts in section and parts broken awayparticularly illustrating the action of a plurality of cam rollerassemblies and an associated cam plate in moving each can into aninspection position at the inspection station after receiving each canfrom an infeed star wheel comprising the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 14 is a view taken on the line 14-14 of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 15 is a view taken on the line 15-15 of FIG. 48;

FIG. 16 is a view taken on the line 16-l6 of FIG. 4B;

FIG. 17 is a view similar to FIG. 13 and particularly illustratinganother exemplary embodiment of this invention which utilizes the normalresilient character of a grommet provided at the inspection station toaxially move an associated container which is open at both ends awayfrom the inspection station; and

FIG. 18 is a fragmentary sectional view particularly illustrating thegrommet of FIG. 17 in its undetlected position with the container movedaway therefrom;

DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Reference is now made to FIGS.1-3 of the drawings wherein an exemplary machine or apparatus of thisinvention is illustrated and designated generally by the referencenumeral 25. The inspection apparatus 25 is particularly adapted toinspect hollow containers such as metal can bodies 26 in mass productionquantities in excess of 600 containers per minute to determine thepresence of small openings in the wall means or walls of such containersand with great reliability. The apparatus and method of this inventionutilizes radiant energy in the form of light as an inspection medium andthe light may be of any desired wave length which may or may not bevisible to the human eye.

The apparatus 25 comprises a suitable light-emitting device designatedgenerally by the reference numeral 30, a photosensitive device in theform of a photoelectric device 31, and a rotatable carrier 32 forserially moving each of the containers 26 between the lightemittingdevice 30 and the photoelectric device 31 enabling an opening in thewall means or walls of each container to be detected by the lightpassing through such opening at an inspection station 33 and energizingthe photoelectric device 31. A suitable mechanism shown in this exampleof the invention as an electric solenoid 35 is provided and cooperateswith suitable linkages to be subsequently described in details to rejecteach container 26 which has an opening in its wall means as determinedby the photoelectric device 31. An air cylinder may be substituted forthe electric solenoid 35 without departing from the scope of thisinvention.

The photoelectric device 31 is electrically connected in a known mannerby a line 39 to an electrical apparatus 40 such as a shift registerwhich receives a signal from the photoelectric device 31 at theinspection station 33 and suitably stores such signal in a memory bankof known construction comprising the apparatus 40 to provide actuationof the solenoid 35 after four additional containers have been inspectedand at a station which will be referred to as a rejection station 41 sothat each unacceptable container, i.e., one having an opening in itswall means, will be ejected from the apparatus 25 into a chute 42 andconveyed away from the apparatus 25. Each acceptable container 26 ismoved by the apparatus 25 beyond the rejection station 41 and is ejectedinto a downwardly inclined chute 43 which is utilized to convey eachacceptable container 26 away from the inspection apparatus 25 forsubsequent processing, as desired.

The apparatus 25 has a supporting frame 44 which may be suitably fixedin position on an associated supporting structure such as a rigid floorand has a central shaft 45 which has the rotatable carrier or main starwheel 32 suitably fixed thereto for rotation therewith. The centralshaft 45 is rotatably supported on the supporting frame 44 by aplurality of spaced antifriction bearings 50, 51 and 52, see FIGS. 4Aand 4B.

The exemplary apparatus 25 is comprised of a plurality of threecooperating star wheels comprising the previously mentioned main orcentral star wheel 32 carried by the central shaft 45, an infeed starwheel 54, and a cooperating discharge or outfeed star wheel 55. Theinfeed star wheel 54 and outfeed star wheel 55 assure that cans aremoved into and out of the central star wheel 32 respectively in apositive, efficient, and nonslipping manner thereby assuring that theinspection of containers is achieved in a precision and reliable mannerat the inspection station 33 while handling large quantities in excessof 600 containers 26 per minute.

The containers 26 to be inspected may be conveyed to the apparatus 25 bya suitable gravity chute 56, see FIG. 1, and the cans 26 are positivelyremoved from the chute 56 by a screw conveyor 60 and moved into positionon supporting cradles 61 of the infeed star wheel 54 at correctly spacedintervals to enable high speed pickup by the star wheel 54. The infeedsystem for the apparatus 25 has suitable guides 62 cooperating with thescrew conveyor 60 to assure movement of the containers 26 in acontrolled manner.

The infeed star wheel 54 has a lower arcuate guide 64 and cooperatingside guides 65 which assure that the containers 26 are moved in anunobstructed manner by the infeed star wheel 54 on the cradles 66 of themain rotatable carrier or star wheel 32. The apparatus 25 also has anarcuate guide 70 fixed to the supporting frame 44 to help position thecontainers 26 in their associated cradles 66 of the main star wheel 32.The guide 70 has a brush-like portion or brush 71 which engages theouter periphery of each container 26 and gently seats each container 26in its associated cradle once the outer periphery of a particularcontainer engages the brush 71. The brush 71 is effective in essentiallymoving each container substantially radially inwardly toward the centerof the star wheel 32. Another guide 73 is provided downwstream of theinspection station 33 and is particularly adapted to engage the outerlower periphery of each container 26 as it leaves the inspection station33 and is introduced into the discharge star wheel 55. The guide 73 hasan arcuate configuration particularly adapted to assure smoooth entry 0fthe containers 26 from the infeed star wheel 32 into associated cradles74 of the discharge star wheel 55.

The guides 64, 65, and 73 comprising the apparatus 25 may have outersurfaces made of a suitable antifriction material to assure easyunobstructed movement of the containers 26 through the inspectionapparatus 25. Further, the outer surfaces of the above-mentioned guidesare made of suitable materials to assure that the containers 26 comingin contact therewith will not be scratched, damaged, or otherwise marredduring the movement of such containers at high speed through theinspection apparatus 25.

As seen particularly in FIG. 4A of the drawings the photoelectric device31 is mounted at a fixed location on the supporting frame 44 by abracket 76 and is adapted to receive light solely from the interior ofeach container 26 and in a manner to be subsequently described. Thephotoelectric device 31 is fixed to a tubular member of sleeve 80 by aplurality of bolts 81 and the sleeve is in turn fixed to the bracket 76by a plurality of threaded bolts 82.

The photoelectric device 31 has a light-receiving aperture 85 which issuitably arranged at a fixed position defining the previously mentionedinspection station 33. The photoelectric device 31 is shielded fromlight from all sources except the interior of each container 26 as itmoves into inspection position at the inspection station 33 and theunique means in which the lightreceiving aperture 85 is shielded fromunwanted light will be described in more detail subsequently.

As previously mentioned the rotatable star wheel 32 has a plurality ofcradles 66 which are adapted to carry associated containers 26 therein.The star wheel 32 also has an opaque plate 86, see FIGS. 4A and 13,defining one side thereof and the plate 86 has a plurality of windows 90provided therein corresponding in number to the plurality of cradles 66and each window 90 is arranged adjacent an associated cradle 66.

As previously mentioned the photoelectric device 31 has itslight-receiving aperture 85 mounted at a fixed position which in essencedefines the inspection station 33. The photoelectric device 31 ismounted adjacent the exterior surface 91 of the plate 86 and as the starwheel 32 is rotated each of the windows 90 registers momentarily withthe light-receiving aperture 85 at the inspecton station 33 and suchmomentary registration comprises what will be referred to as aninspection interval. The inspection interval in each application may bevaried and depends upon the speed at which the star wheel 32 is rotatedand hence the speed at which the entire apparatus 25 is operated andsuch speed may be adjusted as desired.

As seen in FIG. 13 of the drawings each of the containers 26 has wallmeans comprised of a bottom wall 93 and a tubular side wall 94 adjoiningthe bottom wall 93 and terminating in a rim 95. Urging means designatedgenerally by the reference numeral 96 is provided for urging each of thecontainers 26 axially along its cradle 66 until the rim 95 of eachtubular side wall is urged against the plate 86 and surrounding anassociated window 90, at the inspection station 33, to provide alight-proof seal between each tubular side wall 94 and the plate 86. Theurging means 96 will be described in detail subsequently; however, itwill be appreciated that the light-emitting device 30 floods theexterior of the wall means, comprised of tubular side wall 94 and bottomwall 93, with light during the inspection interval so that light passesfrom the exterior to the interior of each container 26 which has anopening in its wall means, through an associated window 90 in plate 86,and through the light-receiving aperture 85 of the photoelectric device31 to energize the photoelectric device and provide a signal to theelectrical apparatus 40 previously described whereupon the particularcontainer 26 which has an opening therein and hence is unacceptable willbe removed, i.e., ejected, from the apparatus 25. The ejection of eachunacceptable container takes place at the rejection station 41 by thesolenoid 35 being energized after a suitable delay as imposed by theelectrical apparatus 40 whereby the unacceptable can 26 is dischargedfrom the discharge star wheel 55 into the discharge chute 42.

The light-emitting device 30 comprises a plurality of spaced electricfluorescent lights 100 which are mounted on a support 101 which issupported in a hinged manner adjacent the inspection station 33 so thatthe lights 100 are arranged inwardly of the interior surface 103 of theopaque plate 86, see FIGS. 2 and 3. The hinged support 101 has anarcuate reflective interior surface 102 defining an arcuate path whichcorresponds to and has a slightly larger radius than the path defined bythe outer surface of the containers 26 during movement of suchcontainers past the inspection station 33. The lights 100 of thisexample of the invention are mounted substantially an equal distancefrom the reflective interior surface 102 and extend over a roughlysemicylindrical are having an arcuate length of roughly I20". Thus, itis seen that optimum lighting is provided on opposite sides of eachcontainer 26 as it is moved into inspection position at the inspectionstation 33.

The star wheel 32 has a hub portion 104, the outer surface 105 of whichis made of a reflective material such as a highly polished metal, seeFIG. 13. Further, the interior surface 103 of the opaque plate 86 isalso a highly reflective surface such as a highly polished metalsurface.

Each of the cradles 66 of the star wheel 32 is made of a transparentmaterial such as a high strength transparent plastic, and in thisexample of the invention, the cradles are defined by suitable cutouts ofroughly semicircular peripheral outline in a pair of cooperating spacedannular plates 106. The highly reflective interior surface 103 and thereflective outer surface 105 of the hub 104 assure that light providedfrom the electric lights 100 effectively floods the entire exterior ofthe wall means of each container 26 while the container is at theinspection station 33 and during the inspection interval. In particular,the lights 100 are preferably kept on at all times so that it is merelynecessary to rotate the star wheel 32 to move each container 26 intoinspection position at the inspection station 33 and light isautomatically flooded entirely therearound enabling the high speedinspection to be carried out by the photoelectric device 31 sensing anylight that may pass through an opening in the wall means of a particularcontainer 26 being inspected to actuate the rejection means comprisingrejection solenoid 35 at the rejection station 41 after a suitable timedelay has been imposed by the electrical apparatus 40.

As previously mentioned, urging means designated generally by thereference numeral 96 is provided for urging each container axially alongits cradle 66 until a rim 95 of the tubular side wall 94 is urgedagainst the plate 86 in surrounding relation around an associated window90 during the inspection interval to provide a lightproof seal betweenthe tubular wall 94 of each container 26 and the plate 86. As seenparticularly in FIGS. 4B, 13 and 14 of the drawings, the urging means 96comprises a cam plate 114 which is fixed to the supporting frame 44 by aplurality of bolts 119. The cam plate 114 of the exemplary apparatus 25has an annular configuration comprised of a main portion 115 arrangedsubstantially in one plane and an effective cam section 116. Theeffective cam section 116 has a central closely controlled portionarranged more closely adjacent the inspection station 33 which providesa controlled camming action during the inspection interval and hassmooth transition sections at opposite ends thereof providing smoothmovement out of and into the main portion 115.

The urging means 96 also comprises a plurality of cam roller assemblies120 which are carried by the central shaft 45 and are rotatablesimultaneously with the star wheel 32. Each of the cam roller assemblies120 is arranged in axial alignment with an associated cradle 66 so thateach assembly 120 may engage an associated container 26 carried in analigned cradle 66 and move such container axially along its cradle 66toward and against the opaque plate 86 and with the rim 95 of theparticular container 26 in surrounding relation around an associatedwindow 90.

Each cam roller assembly 120 is carried by a support 121 which is keyedto the shaft 45 by a key 122 and an annular plate 123 is fastened tosupport 121 by a plurality of bolts 124. The key 122 prevents thesupport 121 from rotating relative to the shaft 45. Another key 125 isalso provided and is received within an elongated keyway 126 in an outerstructural member 130 of each assembly 120 and the keyway 126 issubstantially longer than the key 125 whereby the keyway 126 iseffective in preventing rotation of an associated assembly 120 relativeto the support 121, and hence the central shaft 45, while the key 125and keyway 126 are constructed and arranged to allow axial movement ofeach assembly 120 relative to the central shaft 45 and toward and awayfrom the inspection station 33. The amount of axial movement that may beprovided is determined by the difference in length between the key 125and the keyway 126 in a direction parallel to the axis of the shaft 45.

Each roller assembly 120 has a pair of cooperating cam rollers 131adjacent the rear end thereof and the cam rollers engage opposedsurfaces 132 and 133 of the cam plate 114 to control the axial movementof each assembly 120. A support bracket 134 comprises the rear endportion of each roller assembly 120 and the bracket 134 is fixed to themain structural portion 130 of each assembly 120 by a plurality of bolts.135. Each of the cam rollers 13] is carried on a shaft 136 which has athreaded outer end and a threaded nut 140 is threaded on the threadedend of each shaft 136 after extending such shaft through a cooperatingopening provided in the rear end portion of the support bracket 134 tothereby rotatably support the cam rollers 131 in position.

Each cam roller assembly 120 has a rod 141 which is keyed to the outermember 130 by a key l42'to prevent rotation of such rod 141 relative toits member 130 and member 130 has an inner slot 143 which is adapted toreceive the key 142 and allow axial sliding movement of the rod 141. Apair of sleeve bearings 144 supports opposite ends of the rod 141 andallows axial movement of such rod relative to the housing 130. Acompression spring 145 is provided and acts between an inner headportion 146 of the rod 144 and the bracket 134 to normally yieldinglyurge the rod 141 outwardly toward an associated cradle 66.

The rod 141 has a threaded forward portion 150 which is inserted throughan associated opening in a supporting member 151 and a nut 152 is usedto fasten the member 151 to the rod 141. Each cam roller assembly 120has a forward portion designated generally by the reference numeral 154and which will be described in more detail subsequently and the forwardportion 154 has an outer surface 155 which is adapted to engage thebottom wall 93 of an associated container 26 to urge the particularcontainer axially along its cradle 66 in a precise and positive manneras determined by the configuration of the cam plate 114.

The compression spring 145 of each assembly 120 is used, in effect, asan override mechanism to compensate for containers 26 having differentheights, i.e., axial lengths, within predetermined tolerance limits andthereby assure that the associated cam roller assembly 120 does notdamage an associated container 26 which is of excessive length bypushing too hard thereagainst. Similarly, if a container 26 is shorterthan usual the fully extended compression spring 145 has an overallextended length which assures even a shorter container 26 will have itsrim 95 urged against the plate 86 in a lightproof manner with the fixedmovement provided by the cover plate 114.

As previously indicated each cam roller assembly 120 has a forwardportion 154 the outer surface 155 of which is adapted to engage and urgeits associated container 26 axially along its cradle 66. The forwardportion 154 comprises a transparent member 156, i.e., a member made of atransparent material such as a clear plastic, having surface 155defining its outer surface. The transparent member 156 allows light fromthe light-emitting source 30 to also flood the bottom wall 93simultaneously with flooding of the tubular side wall 94 and therebyassure that the entire wall means of a particular container 26 areexposed to light so that any opening, irrespective of whether it is inthe bottom wall 93 or the side wall 94, will allow light to passtherethrough and be detected by the photoelectric device 31 in themanner previously described.

The forward portion 154 of each assembly 120 comprising the urging means96 has a structural member 160 suitably fixed to the forward end of thesupporting member 151 and to assure minimum interference with the lightpassing through the transparent member 156 the rear surface oftransparent member 156 is adhesivcly fastened to the forward portion ofthe structural member 160 utilizing a suitable adhesive means.

The apparatus also has positioning means tending to position each of thecontainers 26 axially along its associated cradle 66 so that the rim 95is moved away from the plate 86 following the inspection interval tothereby assure that a particular container 26 which has been urgedtoward and against the plate 86 is not held thereagainst during transferof the particular container 26 from the central star wheel 32 to thedischarge star wheel 55. The positioning means of the exemplaryapparatus 25 is particularly illustrated in FIG. 4B of the drawings andcomprises a vaccum device associating with each cam roller assembly 120and each vacuum device is designated generally by the reference numeral165.

Each vacuum device comprises a vacuum passage 166 extending through anassociated transparent member 156 and exiting the exterior surface ofsuch member so that the inlet of the passage 166 is effective inpartially evacuating the air from the space between the transparentmember 156 and the bottom wall 93 of an associated container 26 to holdthe associated container in position firmly against the transparentmember 156. Thus, with the vacuum device in operation each container 26is effectively held against the transparent member 156 and its axialposition is controlled precisely by the cam plate 114 and an associatedcam roller assembly 120.

As seen in FIG. 48, each vacuum device is suitably connected, as willnow be described, to a suitable vacuum source such as a vacuum pumpwhich has a vacuum line 171 connected to the vacuum pump 170 andthreadedly connected to supporting frame 44 as indicated at 172. Aninternal vacuum passage 173 is provided in the supporting frame by asuitable cutout therein and by a plate 174 which is suitably fixed inposition in a fluid-tight manner against the supporting frame 44. Thepassage 173 has a passage 175 interconnected thereto which extendsthrough a fixed structural member 176 and terminates in an annulargroove 181 at a fixed location 180.

Each telescoping assembly 165 has its vacuum passage 166 in fluid flowcommunication with another passage 183 provided in the member 160 and anexternal line 184 extends from the passage 183 and communicates with aninternal passage 185 which has an open end portion 187 exiting themember 121. As the end portion 187 of each internal passage 185registers with the annular groove 181 the passage 166 is directlyconnected with the vacuum pump 170 whereby a vacuum is provided in thepassage 166 in a known manner. It will be appreciated that the member121 has a plurality of internal passages 185 each discharging at anassociated end portion 187 and member 121 rotates while member 176 is afixed member whereby a fluid-tight face seal is provided along the lineindicated at 192 between the members 176 and 121.

The annular groove 181 provided in the member 176 extendscircumferentially aroung such member for an arcuate length indicated at200 in FIG. 3 and defined essentially by the total arcuate distance overwhich roughly three cradles 66 extend. A vacuum is applied over thearcuate length 200 and for approximately the same distance on each sideof the inspection station 33 and it will be appreciated that the rim 95ofa particular container 26 is rapidly moved away from the opaque plate86 by the cam plate 114 once the particular container has been inspectedat the inspection station 33.

'Thus, each cam roller assembly 120 controls the axial portion of itsassociated eontainer in a positive manner over the angular distanceindicated at 200.

As seen particularly in FIG. 7 the apparatus 25 has a plurality ofgaskets 202 corresponding in number to the plurality of cradles 66 andeach of the gaskets is fixed in position by an annular ring 203 which isbolted to the plate 86 by a plurality of bolts 204. The fixed annulargaskets 200, in effect, define a portion of the plate 86 and surround anassociated window 90 and each gasket 202 is adapted to be engaged by arim 95 of an associated tubular wall of a container 26. Each gasket 202is made of an opaque material such as a rubber-like material and isadapted to be engaged by a rim 95 to provide a lightproof seal ofoptimum quality even with minor defects in an associated rim 95 once theassociated rim is urged thereagainst.

As seen particularly in FIGS. 48, 15, and 16 of the drawings each vacuumdevice 165 has what will be referred to as a vacuum saver assemblydesignated generally by the reference numeral 206 in FIG. 16 and thevacuum saver assembly comprises a substantially flexible paddle-shapedmember 210 which is supported in a recess 211 provided in the member 160and at a single point by a screw 212.

The member 210 has an orifice 213 of controlled area provided thereinand the member 210 is adapted to be aligned over a circular opening 214provided in the member 160. The vacuumsaving function is achieved by themember 210 being pulled tightly against the opening 214 in the event acontainer 26 is not present in its associated cradle 66 so that themaximum vacuum flow that can be applied in controlled and determined bythe size of the orifice 213. In the event that a container 26 is presentthe size of the orifice 213 is sufficient to assure that the particularcontainer 26 will be held in position by the vacuum device 165.

The discharge star wheel 55 is of unique construction and assuresreliable and efficient high speed transfer of containers 26 into thedischarge chute 42 if the containers are found unacceptable and intochute 43 if the containers are acceptable. The discharge star wheel 55has a plurality of cradles 74, as previously memtioned, and has aplurality of linkage assemblies 215 each designated generally by thereference numeral 215 and each associating with and, in effect, defininga portion of an associated cradle means or cradle 74, see FIGS. -12.

The star wheel 55 has a pair of annular members 216 suitably fixed to asupport 220 which is keyed to a shaft 221 by a key 222 whereby the starwheel 55 and particularly plates 216 defining the cradles 74 are rotatedsimultaneously with the shaft 221. An antifriction roller bearing 223 isprovided to enable free rotation of shaft 221 and star wheel 55 relativeto a fixed support assembly which is designated generally by thereference numeral 225. The fixed support assembly 225 carries a pair offixed cam members 230 and 232 and a movable cam member 231 and the cammembers 230-232 control the action of the linkage assemblies 215 in amanner to be subsequently described.

The cam members 230 and 232 are fixed to a support member or plate 233which is carried by the fixed support assembly 225. The previouslymentioned electrical solenoid 35 (which serves as an actuator foractuating the assemblies 215) is carried by a support plate 235 fixed bybolts 236 to the plate 233. The solenoid 35 has a telescoping rod 237which in turn is fastened to a bracket 240 which is'operativelyconnected to the cam member 231 and the solenoid operates to pivot oneend of cam member 231 about a pivot pin operatively associating with theopposite end of cam member 231.

Each linkage assembly 215 is comprised of a yokeshaped member 242 havingan arcuate outer end 243 which helps define the supporting surface meansof an associated cradle means or cradle 74 of the discharge star wheel55. The inner end of each member 242 is fixed to a pin 245 that isrotatably supported by the members 216 and an elongated arm 246 is alsoprovided and fixed to the pin 245. The arm 246 rotatably carries a camroller 250 at its terminal outer end and another comparatively short arm251 is fixed to the pin 245 and has a compression spring 252 which actsbetween the outer end of arm 251 and the member 216 to normallyyieldingly urge the terminal end of the arm 246 and its cam roller 250radially inwardly toward the center of the discharge wheel 55 andagainst a substantially cylindrical cam surface 260 so that the arcuateouter end 243 of yoke-shaped member 242 normally noramlly in theposition illustrated at 254 in FIG. 11. Thus, the position of eachyoke-shaped member 242 and in particular the position of its outer end243 is controlled by the position of an associated cam roller 250 as thedischarge wheel 55 is rotated by its shaft 221.

The operation of the discharge wheel 55 will be i readily understood byviewing FIGS. 3, and 10-12 of the drawings. It should also be noted thatthe discharge wheel 55 is viewed in one direction in FIG. 3 of thedrawings whereby clockwise rotation is illustrated and is viewed in anopposite direction in FIGS. 11 and 12 whereby counterclockwise isillustrated.

As the discharge wheel 55 approaches the position at which a container26 is to be transferred from the main star wheel 32 onto the dischargewheel 55 the particular cradle and linkage assembly 2115 is essentiallyin the position illustrated at 255 in FIGS. 3 and 11. Continued rotationof the star wheel 55 moves an associated cam roller 250 over the crest256 of cam member 230 whereupon the outer portion 243 of the yoke member242 is pivoted outwardly its greatest amount to a position of maximumopening to define the point of transfer of an associated container 26from the star wheel 32 to the star wheel 55., Continued movement of thedischarge wheel 55 past the cam member 230 causes the particular camroller 250 to again move against the substantially cylindrical camsurface 260 whereupon an overcenter condition is created wherein theeffective cradle 74 has a width indicated at 261 which is substantiallysmaller than the diameter of an associated container whereby thecontainer 26 is firmly held in position with high speed rotation of thedischarge wheel 55 yet without the need of firmly clamping or grippingthe container which could cause marring thereof.

If a particular container 26 approaching the rejection station 41 isdefective in that it has an opening in its wall means the electricalapparatus 40 will provide a suitable signal to the solenoid 35 after asuitable time delay and in the manner previously described whereby thesolenoid pushes the cam member 231 outwardly from its solid lineposition to the dotted line position illustrated, at 262. The cam member231 pivots the yoke-like member 242 to the'dotted line position 262 andthe particular'defective container 26 is discharged intothe dischargechute 42.

However, if the particular container or cam 26 is acceptable a signalwill not be provided to the solenoid 35 and as the discharge wheel 55continues to rotate the acceptable container 26 will be ejected into thedischarge chute 43 by the cam roller 250 engaging the cam member 232causing the yoke-like member 242 to be moved outwardly to the positionillustrated at 265 in FIG. 12 whereupon acceptable container 26 isdischarged into the chute 43.

Once each linkage assembly 215 moves past the cam member 232 its camroller 250 is urged against the normal cam surface 260 by its associatedspring 252 in preparation for its yoke-shaped member 242 receivinganother container from the star wheel 32. Thus, it is seen that a simpleassembly is provided for rapidly moving cans from the inspection starwheel 32 to the discharge star wheel 55 while providing means forrapidly discharging unacceptable containers into a reject chute 42 anddischarging acceptable containers into the chute 43.

As seen particularly in FIGS. 4A, 5, and 6 of the drawings, theapparatus 25 has suitable means to assure that the photoelectric device31 is shielded from any extraneous or unwanted light while assuring thatlight will enter into the light-receiving aperture 85 thereof from theinterior of an associated container 26 being inspected at the inspectionstation 33 and during the inspection interval. In addition, thephotoelectric device 31 may be provided with suitable electriccircuitry, if desired, to assure that a signal to the electricalapparatus will only be provided to the electrical apparatus 40 duringthe inspection interval for each container 26.

The means for shielding the photoelectric device 31 comprises a hingedor pivoted sealing assembly designated generally by the referencenumeral 270 which has a load carrying member 271 supported by a pivotpin 272 which is carried by a lug 273 fixed to the supporting bracket76. The sealing assembly 270 has a pair of arms 275 at its outer endwhich carry a pair of sealing members in a substantially universal orfloating manner as will now be described.

The outer portion of the assembly 270 has an outer ring 280 which ispivotally connected to the arms 275 by a pair of pivot pins 281. Theassembly 270 has an inner ring 282 which is pivotally connected by apair of pivot pins 283 to the outer ring 280 whereby the outer end orhead of the sealing assembly 270 is pivotally connected about twomutually perpendicular axes designated by the reference numerals 284 and285.

The inner ring 282 of assembly 270 has its rearward portion providedwith a lip seal 290 fixed thereto which engages the outer periphery ofthe tubular support 80 for the photoelectric device 31 in a lightproofmanner. The forward portion of the ring 282 also has another seal in theform of an annular seal 292 suitably fixed thereto and the seal 292 hasan outer surface 293 which engages'the outer surface 91 of the plate 86comprising the main star wheel 32. The annular seal 292 provides alightproof seal between the plate 86 and the lightreceiving aperture 85of a photoelectric 31. 32. The seal 292 may be made of any suitablesubstantially frictionless material and a fluorocarbon seal has beeneffectively utilized.

The assembly 270 is urged toward the rotating plate 86 of the star wheel32 by a compression spring 295 which acts between an axially slidablecontact member 296 and the inner end ofa threaded adjusting knob 300which is carried by a support 301 which is fixed to the bracket 76. Thefixed support 301 has cooperating internal threads 302 for receivingexternal threads 303 of the adjusting knob 300. The spring 295 urges thesealing assembly 270 and hence annular seal 292 against the plate 86 andthe force with which the assembly is urged is adjusted by the adjustingknob 300. With wear of the fluorocarbon seal, the adjusting knob enablesthe provision of a lightproof seal between the plate 86 andthe'photoelectric device 31 and adjustments are made simply by turningthe adjusting knob 300. It will also be appreciated that the universalmounting of the seal 292 assures that even if the plate 86 does notrotate in a true vertical plane a lightproof seal will be maintained.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9 of the drawings the inspection apparatus25 is driven by a single drive motor 305 which is operatively connectedto a gear box 306 which has a single shaft 45 which drives a pluralityof cooperating intermeshing gears 312, 313, and 314 and the gears 312and 314 drive shafts 315 and 221 respectively. The shafts 315, 45, and221 are suitably keyed to the infeed star wheel 54, main star wheel 32and the discharge star wheel 55 respectively whereby simultaneoussynchronized rotation of the star wheels and associated component partsare provided by the drive system. Further, a suitable drive connectionis provided from the infeed star wheel shaft 315 which rotates a shaft322 operatively connected to a driving gear box 323 at the lower end ofthe screw conveyor 60. The gear box 323 drives the screw conveyor fromthe lower end thereof in synchronization with the infeed star wheel 54.

A belt drive system designated generally by the reference numeral 325 isalso provided and driven in a synchronized manner with the starwheels bythe motor 305. The drive system 325 drives a shaft 326 which is suitablyoperatively connected with the apparatus 40 to assure each unacceptablecontainer 26 is rejected at the proper location.

To provide an even better understanding of the apparatus 25, a briefsummary will now be presented to highlight the manner in whichcontainers 26 are inspected at high speed. In particular, it will beseen that containers 26 are positively introduced by a screw conveyor 60into the infeed star wheel 54 and the cans are then transferred to amain star wheel 32. The main star wheel 32 moves each container 26 pastan inspection station 33 where a light-emitting device 30 and associatedreflective surfaces flood the entire exterior surface of each containerwith light.

Any opening in the wall means of a particular container 26 will allowlight to pass from the exterior of the particular container to theinterior thereof. A photoelectric device 31 is provided and operativelyassociates with the interior of each container 26 so that if thecontainer is defective by having an opening therein the light will passtherethrough and be sensed by the photoelectric device 31 to actuate anassociated electric apparatus 40 which in turn actuates a solenoid 35after a suitable time delay to reject, i.e., eject, the defectivecontainer 26 at the rejection station 41 provided in association withthe discharge star wheel 55 comprising the apparatus 25. The dischargestar wheel 55 has a unique cam linkage system which allows the inspectedcontainers to be removed therefrom at high speed either into thedischarge chute 42 or into the chute 43 which receives acceptablecontainers 26.

Another exemplary embodiment of this invention is illustrated in FIGS.17 and 18 of the drawings. The apparatus of P168. 17 and 18 is verysimilar to the apparatus 25; therefore, such apparatus will bedesignated generally by the reference numeral 25A and parts of theapparatus 25A which are very similar to corresponding parts of theapparatus 25 will be designated by the same reference numeral as in theapparatus 25 also followed by the letter designation A and not describedagain. Only those component parts which are substantially different fromcorresponding parts of the apparatus will be designated by new referencenumerals also followed by the letter designation A and described indetail. The detailed description of those parts of the apparatus 25Awhich carry reference numerals which correspond to similar parts of theapparatus 25 would be the same as in the apparatus 25 and thus will notbe repeated.

The apparatus 25A is particularly adapted for automatically inspectingcontainers 330A having wall means comprised of a tubular wallterminating in a pair of oppositely arranged rims 331A and 332A eachdefining an open end. The apparatus 25A has urging means 96A alsocomprised of a plurality of roller assemblies 120A which cooperate witha cam plate substantially identical to the cam plate of the apparatus 25previously described.

Each container 330A is mounted in its associated cradle 66A with its onerim 331A mounted adjacent an associated window 90A in annular plate 86Aand its opposite rim 332A arranged adjacent an associated end sealingmeans designated generally by the reference numeral 333A. The endsealing means 333A is provided as a part of the forward portion 154A ofeach associated roller assembly 120A comprising urging means 96A for theapparatus 25A.

Each roller assembly 120A and in particular each forward portion 154Aengages the outer edge of a rim 332A of an associated container 330A andurges the particular container axially along its cradle 66A until itsrim 331A is urged against the plate 86A in surrounding relation aroundan associated window 90A to provide a lightproof seal between eachtubular container 330A and the plate 86A. The forward portion 154A ofeach roller assembly of the exemplary apparatus 25A is comprised of anopaque member 334A made of a rubber-like material.

The opaque member 334A is suitably fixed to a transparent member 335Awhich is in turn suitably fixed to supporting member 151A. The opaquemember 334A assures that light does not enter the interior of thecontainer 330A from the rear portion thereof and the transparent member335A assures that light from the light-emitting device A passes throughthe transparent member 335A and is reflected by the reflective surface105A of hub portion 104A so that light surrounds the entireouter'surface of the container 330A.

Positioning means is provided as a part of the exemplary apparatus 25Aand such positioning means is of simple and economical construction. Inparticular, it will be seen from FIG. 18 that the positioning meanscomprises a high quality resilient gasket 340A .fixed around each window90A by a plurality of fastening screws 341A. Each gasket 340A has anannular portion 342A spaced by a distance indicated at 343A from theinterior surface 103A of the plate 86A. Each cam roller assembly 120A ofthe urging means 96A normally urges a tubular container 330A toward andagainst the annular gasket 340A essentially as illustrated at 344A inFIG. 17 whereupon the gasket is deflected as shown.

However, as each roller assembly 120A is moved to its retracted positionthe resilient character of the gasket 340A effectively urges, actuallymoves, the associated tubular container 330A away from the gasket 340Awhereupon a typical distance indicated by the reference numeral 345A isprovided between the annular plate 86A and an open ended tubularcontainer 330A previously urged against a gasket 340A. Thus, the gasket340A serves as positioning means moving 330A along its cradle 66A sothat it may be picked up by the discharge star wheel in a simple andefficient manner and essentially in the same manner as previouslydescribed in connection with the containers 26 inspected by apparatus25. Thus, it is seen that the apparatus 25A enables the inspection oftubular containers 330A having both ends open and in a rapid andefficient manner.

The inspection apparatus 25 and 25A are especially effective ininspecting containers such as drawn and ironed metal cans, such asaluminum cans, which have bright reflective interior surfaces. However,it will be appreciated that the inspection apparatus and method of thisinvention is especially useful in inspecting all types of substantiallytubular containers irrespective of the character of their insidesurfaces inasmuch as the reflective inside surfaces only serve toincrease the efficiency of operation.

The apparatus and method of this invention is particularly effectiveininspecting container bodies of all types in large productionquantities in excess of 600 cans per minute, as previously mentioned.Further, the type of opening in the wall means of a container isimmaterial and will be readily detected irrespective of whether it is inthe form of a pin hole, a slit, etc. which might be present in a tubularside wall, a bottom wall, the junction ofa bottom wall with a side wall,or at several of such locations.

The inspection apparatus 25 presented earlier in this specification hasbeen shown as inspecting containers or cans 26 made as a single piececonstruction with a a bottom wall and an integral side wall. However, itwill be appreciated that the cans 26 may be of any suitable constructionand may be comprised of two or more pieces suitably fastened together ina known manner.

The apparatus 25 and 25A is shown in this example as having the centralaxis of the associated main star wheel 32 and 32A respectively arrangedhorizontally. However, it will be appreciated that in some applicationsof this invention it may be preferred to arrange the main star wheel (aswell as the other associated star wheels and related components) withits axis arranged substantially vertically whereby gravity may also beeffectively utilized to axially position the container bodies beinginspected along their associated cradles.

The apparatus and method of this invention is very reliable whileproviding rapid inspection of 600 or more containers per minute. Forexample, at these rapid speeds of inspection containers having openingswith an effective diameter of 0.002 inch can be inspected and defectiveones detected with I00 percent reliability, containers having openingswith an effective diameter of 0.00] 5 can be detected with 99 percentreliability and containers having openings with an effective diameter of0.00] can be detected with percent reliability.

The photoelectric device 31 may be of any suitable known constructionand hence will not be described in detail. Further, it may be desirablein some applications of this invention to provide a suitable connectionfrom the synchronized rotating star wheels (such as by a belt drivesystem similar to the belt drive system 325) to assure that thephotoelectric device 31 will only be acti vated during each inspectioninterval. Thus, the photoelectric device would only be capable oftransmitting a signal to the electrical apparatus 40 during suchinspection interval. Obviously, a signal would only be transmitted tothe apparatus 40 in the event a defective container is present at theinspection station 33 and with a system of this type there would begreater assurance that each signal to the electrical apparatus 40 wouldbe due to a defective container being inspected at the inspectionstation and not due to extraneous light energizing the photoelectricdevice 3].

While present exemplary embodiments of this invention, and methods ofpracticing the same, have been illustrated and described, it will berecognized that this invention may be otherwise variously embodied andpracticed within the scope of the following claims.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for automatically inspecting for any opening in wallmeans of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device,a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier having a plurality ofcradles each receiving and supporting the weight of one containertherein and each cradle supporting its container so as to allow axialsliding movement of the container along its cradle, said rotatablecarrier serially moving each of said containers between said deviceswith each container held in its associated cradle to allow light fromsaid light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wall means ofeach container to energize said photosensitive device, shielding meansoperatively associating with each container and said photosensitivedevice, urging means for relatively moving each container and saidshielding means substantially parallel to the axis of the container andinto light-shielding engagement so that said photosensitive device onlyreceives light from said light-emitting device which has passed throughan opening in wall means of a container to thereby energize saidphotosensitive device, and a mechanism operatively connected to andactuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container havingan opening in its wall means.

2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said rotatable carriercomprises a rotatable wheel-like carrier which is rotatable in asubstantially vertical plane.

3. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said light-emittingdevice floods one surface of said wall means of each container withlight as it is rotated into an inspection position defining aninspection station, and further comprising means supporting saidphotosensitive device adjacent said inspection station.

4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said rotatable carriercomprises a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles andhaving an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said platehaving aplurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to saidplurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent anassociated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent theexterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving apertureprovided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspectionstation so that each of said windows registers momentarily with saidaperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentaryregistration comprising an inspection interval, said lightemittingdevice flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during saidinspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to theinterior of each container which has an opening in its wall meansthrough an associated window and through said aperture to energize saidphotosensitive device.

5. An apparatus for automatically inspecting for any opening in wallmeans of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device,a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier having a plurality ofcradles each receiving and carrying one container therein, saidrotatable carrier serially moving each of said containers between saiddevice with each container held in its associated cradle to allow lightfrom said light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wallmeans of each container to energize said photosensitive device, and amechanism operatively connected to and actuated by said photosensitivedevice to reject each container having an opening in its wall means,said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having saidplurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one sidethereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided thereincorresponding in number to said plurality of cradles, each of saidwindows comprising an open passage in said plate and each window beingarranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device beingmounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having alight-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixedposition defining an inspection station so that each of said windowsregisters momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said starwheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspectioninterval, said lightemitting device flooding the exterior of said wallmeans with light during said inspection interval so that light passesfrom the exterior to the interior of each container which has an openingin its wall means through an associated window and through said apertureto energize said photosensitive device.

6. An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers,said apparatus comprising, a lightemitting device, a photosensitivedevice, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containersbetween said devices enabling any opening in wall means of eachcontainer to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizingsaid photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by saidphotosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in itswall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles eachsuitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising arotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having anopaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having aplurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to saidplurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent anassociated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent theexterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspectionstation so that each of said windows registers momentarily with saidaperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentarilyregistration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emittingdevice flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during saidinspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to theinterior of each container which has an opening in its wall meansthrough an associated window and through said aperture to energize saidphotosensitive device, said star wheel having a hub portion providedwith an outer reflective surface and each cradle is made of atransparent material, said reflective surface and transparent materialassuring that light from said light-emitting device effectively floodsthe entire exterior of said wall means during said inspection interval.

7. An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers,said apparatus comprising, a lightemitting device, a photosensitivedevice, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containersbetween said devices enabling any opening in wall means of eachcontainer to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizingsaid photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by saidphotosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in itswall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles eachsuitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising arotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having anopaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having aplurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to saidplurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent anassociated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent theexterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving apertureprovided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspectionstation so that each of said windows registers momentarily with saidaperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentaryregistration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emittingdevice flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during saidinspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to theinterior of each container which has an opening in its wall meansthrough an associated window and through said aperture to energize saidphotosensitive device, said light-emitting device being mounted at aposition adjacent said light-receiving aperture of said photosensitivedevice, said star wheel having a hub portion provided with an outerreflective surface made of polished metal with each cradle being made ofa transparent material, said reflective surface and transparent materialassuring light from said lightemitting device effectively floods theentire exterior of the wall means of each container during saidinspection interval.

8. An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers,said apparatus comprising, a lightemitting device, a photosensitivedevice, a' rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containersbetween said devices enabling any opening in wall means of eachcontainer to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizingsaid photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by saidphotosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in itswall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles eachsuitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carriercomprising arotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having anopaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having aplurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to saidplurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent anassociated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent theexterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving apertureprovided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspectionstation so that each of said windows registers momentarily with saidaperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentaryregistration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emittingdevice flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during saidinspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to theinterior of each container which has an opening in its wall meansthrough an associated window and through said aperture to energize saidphotosensitive device, said light-emitting device comprising a pluralityof spaced lights mounted on a hinged support which is supported adjacentsaid inspection station inwardly of the interior surface of said plate.

9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said plurality of lightsare mounted adjacent the interior surface of said hinged support in anarcuate path with said arcuate path corresponding to and having aslightly larger radius than the path defined by the outer surface ofsaid containers during movement thereof past said inspection station.

10. An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers,said apparatus comprising, a lightemitting device, a photosensitivedevice, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containersbetween said devices enabling any opening in wall means of eachcontainer to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizingsaid photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by saidphotosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in itswall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles eachsuitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising arotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having anopaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having aplurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to saidplurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent anassociated cradle,said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent theexterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving apertureprovided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspectionstation so that each of said windows registers momentarily with saidaperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentaryregistration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emittingdevice flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during saidinspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to theinterior of each container which has an opening in its wall meansthrough an associated window and through said aperture to energize saidphotosensitive device, and said apparatus further comprising a supportmounted in a hinged manner adjacent said inspection station, saidsupport having an arcuate reflective interior surface defining anarcuate path corresponding to and having a slightly larger radius thanthe path defined by the outer surface of said containers during movementthereof past said inspection station, said light-emitting devicecomprising a plurality of spaced lights each being mounted on saidsupport substantially equidistant from said arcuate interior surface andbeing arranged inwardly of the interior surface of said plate with saidlights in their normal light-emitting position, said star wheel having ahub portion and the outer surface of said plate defined as reflectivesurfaces and having each cradle made of a transparent material, saidreflective surfaces and transparent material assuring that light fromsaid plurality of lights effectively floods the entire exterior of thewall means of each container during said inspection interval.

11. An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers,said apparatus comprising, a lightemitting device, a photosensitivedevice, a rotatable

1. An apparatus for automatically inspecting for any opening in wallmeans of containers, said apparatus comprising, a lightemitting device,a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier having a plurality ofcradles each receiving and supporting the weight of one containertherein and each cradle supporting its container so as to allow axialsliding movement of the container along its cradle, said rotatablecarrier serially moving each of said containers between said deviceswith each container held in its associated cradle to allow light fromsaid light-emitting device to pass through any opening in wall means ofeach container to energize said photosensitive device, shielding meansoperatively associating with each container and said photosensitivedevice, urging means for relatively moving each container and saidshielding means substantially parallel to the axis of the container andinto light-shielding engagement so that said photosensitive device onlyreceives light from said lightemitting device which has passed throughan opening in wall means of a container to thereby energize saidphotosensitive device, and a mechanism operatively connected to andactuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container havingan opening in its wall means.
 2. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 inwhich said rotatable carrier comprises a rotatable wheel-like carrierwhich is rotatable in a substantially vertical plane.
 3. An apparatus asset forth in claim 1 in which said light-emitting device floods onesurface of said wall means of each container with light as it is rotatedinto an inspection position defining an inspection station, and furthercomprising means supporting said photosEnsitive device adjacent saidinspection station.
 4. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in whichsaid rotatable carrier comprises a rotatable star wheel having saidplurality of cradles and having an opaque plate defining one sidethereof with said plate having a plurality of windows provided thereincorresponding in number to said plurality of cradles with each windowbeing arranged adjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive devicebeing mounted adjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having alight-receiving aperture provided therein and arranged at a fixedposition defining an inspection station so that each of said windowsregisters momentarily with said aperture during rotation of said starwheel with said momentary registration comprising an inspectioninterval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wallmeans with light during said inspection interval so that light passesfrom the exterior to the interior of each container which has an openingin its wall means through an associated window and through said apertureto energize said photosensitive device.
 5. An apparatus forautomatically inspecting for any opening in wall means of containers,said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitivedevice, a rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each receivingand carrying one container therein, said rotatable carrier seriallymoving each of said containers between said device with each containerheld in its associated cradle to allow light from said light-emittingdevice to pass through any opening in wall means of each container toenergize said photosensitive device, and a mechanism operativelyconnected to and actuated by said photosensitive device to reject eachcontainer having an opening in its wall means, said rotatable carriercomprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles andhaving an opaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate havinga plurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to saidplurality of cradles, each of said windows comprising an open passage insaid plate and each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle,said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surfaceof said plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein andarranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that eachof said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotationof said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising aninspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior ofsaid wall means with light during said inspection interval so that lightpasses from the exterior to the interior of each container which has anopening in its wall means through an associated window and through saidaperture to energize said photosensitive device.
 6. An apparatus forautomatically inspecting wall means of containers, said apparatuscomprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device, arotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers betweensaid devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to bedetected by light passing therethrough and energizing saidphotosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitivedevice to reject each container having an opening in its wall means,said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable forcarrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatablestar wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque platedefining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windowsprovided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradleswith each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, saidphotosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface ofsaid plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein andarranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that eachof said windows registers mOmentarily with said aperture during rotationof said star wheel with said momentarily registration comprising aninspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior ofsaid wall means with light during said inspection interval so that lightpasses from the exterior to the interior of each container which has anopening in its wall means through an associated window and through saidaperture to energize said photosensitive device, said star wheel havinga hub portion provided with an outer reflective surface and each cradleis made of a transparent material, said reflective surface andtransparent material assuring that light from said light-emitting deviceeffectively floods the entire exterior of said wall means during saidinspection interval.
 7. An apparatus for automatically inspecting wallmeans of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device,a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each ofsaid containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall meansof each container to be detected by light passing therethrough andenergizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by saidphotosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in itswall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles eachsuitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising arotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having anopaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having aplurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to saidplurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent anassociated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent theexterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving apertureprovided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspectionstation so that each of said windows registers momentarily with saidaperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentaryregistration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emittingdevice flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during saidinspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to theinterior of each container which has an opening in its wall meansthrough an associated window and through said aperture to energize saidphotosensitive device, said light-emitting device being mounted at aposition adjacent said light-receiving aperture of said photosensitivedevice, said star wheel having a hub portion provided with an outerreflective surface made of polished metal with each cradle being made ofa transparent material, said reflective surface and transparent materialassuring light from said light-emitting device effectively floods theentire exterior of the wall means of each container during saidinspection interval.
 8. An apparatus for automatically inspecting wallmeans of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device,a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each ofsaid containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall meansof each container to be detected by light passing therethrough andenergizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by saidphotosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in itswall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles eachsuitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising arotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having anopaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having aplurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to saidplurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent anassociated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent theexterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving apertureprovided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspectionstation so that each of said windows registers momentarily with saidaperture duriNg rotation of said star wheel with said momentaryregistration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emittingdevice flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during saidinspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to theinterior of each container which has an opening in its wall meansthrough an associated window and through said aperture to energize saidphotosensitive device, said light-emitting device comprising a pluralityof spaced lights mounted on a hinged support which is supported adjacentsaid inspection station inwardly of the interior surface of said plate.9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said plurality of lightsare mounted adjacent the interior surface of said hinged support in anarcuate path with said arcuate path corresponding to and having aslightly larger radius than the path defined by the outer surface ofsaid containers during movement thereof past said inspection station.10. An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers,said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitivedevice, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containersbetween said devices enabling any opening in wall means of eachcontainer to be detected by light passing therethrough and energizingsaid photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by saidphotosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in itswall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles eachsuitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising arotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having anopaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having aplurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to saidplurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent anassociated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent theexterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving apertureprovided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspectionstation so that each of said windows registers momentarily with saidaperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentaryregistration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emittingdevice flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during saidinspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to theinterior of each container which has an opening in its wall meansthrough an associated window and through said aperture to energize saidphotosensitive device, and said apparatus further comprising a supportmounted in a hinged manner adjacent said inspection station, saidsupport having an arcuate reflective interior surface defining anarcuate path corresponding to and having a slightly larger radius thanthe path defined by the outer surface of said containers during movementthereof past said inspection station, said light-emitting devicecomprising a plurality of spaced lights each being mounted on saidsupport substantially equidistant from said arcuate interior surface andbeing arranged inwardly of the interior surface of said plate with saidlights in their normal light-emitting position, said star wheel having ahub portion and the outer surface of said plate defined as reflectivesurfaces and having each cradle made of a transparent material, saidreflective surfaces and transparent material assuring that light fromsaid plurality of lights effectively floods the entire exterior of thewall means of each container during said inspection interval.
 11. Anapparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, saidapparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device,a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers betweensaid devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to bedetected by light passing therethrough and energizing saidphotosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitivedevice to reject each container having an oPening in its wall means,said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable forcarrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatablestar wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque platedefining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windowsprovided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradleswith each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, saidphotosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface ofsaid plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein andarranged at a fixed position defining an inspection station so that eachof said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotationof said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising aninspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior ofsaid wall means with light during said inspection interval so that lightpasses from the exterior to the interior of each container which has anopening in its wall means through an associated window and through saidaperture to energize said photosensitive device, said wall means of eachcontainer comprising a tubular wall terminating in a rim with eachcontainer being supported by its associated cradle with its rim arrangedadjacent an associated window, each of said windows comprising an openpassage in said plate, and said apparatus further comprising meansurging each of said containers axially along its cradle until a rim ofits tubular wall is urged against said plate in surrounding relationaround an associated window and during said inspection interval toprovide a light-proof seal between each tubular wall and said plate. 12.An apparatus as set forth in claim 10 and further comprising a pluralityof gaskets corresponding in number to said plurality of cradles, each ofsaid gaskets being fixed in position to define a portion of said platesurrounding an associated window and each gasket being adapted to beengaged by a rim of an associated tubular wall of a container to providea lightproof seal of optimum quality even with minor defects in anassociated rim urged thereagainst.
 13. An apparatus as set forth inclaim 11 in which said urging means comprises a fixed cam plate and aplurality of cam roller assemblies corresponding in number to saidplurality of cradles and being rotatable simultaneously with said starwheel, each of said assemblies being arranged in axial alignment with anassociated cradle and having cooperating cam rollers adjacent the rearend thereof engaging said cam plate and also having a forward portionadapted to engage and urge its associated container axially along itscradle.
 14. An apparatus for automatically inspecting wall means ofcontainers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, aphotosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially moving each ofsaid containers between said devices enabling any opening in wall meansof each container to be detected by light passing therethrough andenergizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by saidphotosensitive device to reject each container having an opening in itswall means, said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles eachsuitable for carrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising arotatable star wheel having said plurality of cradles and having anopaque plate defining one side thereof with said plate having aplurality of windows provided therein corresponding in number to saidplurality of cradles with each window being arranged adjacent anassociated cradle, said photosensitive device being mounted adjacent theexterior surface of said plate and having a light-receiving apertureprovided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining an inspectionsta-tion so that each of said windows registers momentarily with saidaperture during rotation of said star wheel with said momentaryregistration comprising an inspection interval, said light-emittingdevice flooding the exterior of said wall means with light during saidinspection interval so that light passes from the exterior to theinterior of each container which has an opening in its wall meansthrough an associated window and through said aperture to energize saidphotosensitive device, said wall means of each container comprising abottom wall and a tubular side wall adjoining said bottom wall andterminating in a rim, each of said containers being mounted in itsassociated cradle with its rim arranged adjacent its associated window,and said apparatus further comprising means urging each of saidcontainers axially along its cradle until the rim of each tubular sidewall is urged against said plate and surrounding an associated window toprovide a lightproof seal between each tubular side wall and said plate.15. An apparatus as set forth in claim 14 and further comprisingpositioning means tending to position each of said containers axiallyalong its associated cradle so that said rim is moved away from saidplate following said inspection interval.
 16. An apparatus as set forthin claim 14 in which said urging means comprises a transparent memberadapted to engage the bottom wall of each container and al-low lightfrom said light-emitting device to also flood said bottom wallsimultaneously with the flooding of said tubular side wall to enabledetection of any opening in said bottom wall.
 17. An apparatus as setforth in claim 14 in which said urging means comprises a fixed cam plateand a plurality of cam roller assemblies corresponding in number to saidplurality of cradles and being rotatable simultaneously with said starwheel, each of said assemblies being arranged in axial alignment with anassociated cradle and having cooperating cam rollers adjacent the rearend thereof engaging said cam plate and having a transparent forwardmember adapted to engage and urge its associated container axially alongits cradle, and said transparent member allowing light from saidlight-emitting device to also flood said bottom wall simultaneously withthe flooding of said tubular side wall to enable detection of anyopening in said bottom wall.
 18. An apparatus as set forth in claim 16and further comprising positioning means tending to position each ofsaid containers axially along its associated cradle so that the rim ofeach container is moved away from said plate following said inspectioninterval.
 19. An apparatus as set forth in claim 18 in which saidpositioning means comprises a plurality of vacuum devices eachassociating with an associated cam roller assembly, each vacuum devicecomprising a vacuum passage extending through each associatedtransparent member with the inlet of said vacuum passage being adaptedto partially evacuate the air from the space between the associatedtransparent member and the bottom wall of an associated container tohold such associated container against the transparent member.
 20. Anapparatus for automatically inspecting wall means of containers, saidapparatus comprising, a light-emitting device, a photosensitive device,a rotatable carrier for serially moving each of said containers betweensaid devices enabling any opening in wall means of each container to bedetected by light passing therethrough and energizing saidphotosensitive device, and a mechanism actuated by said photosensitivedevice to reject each container having an opening in its wall means,said rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each suitable forcarrying one container, said rotatable carrier comprising a rotatablestar wheel having said plurality of cradles and having an opaque platedefining one side thereof with said plate having a plurality of windowsprovided therein corresponding in number to said plurality of cradleswith each window being arranged adjacent an associated cradle, saidphotosensitive device being mounted adjacent the exterior surface ofsaid plate and having a light-receiving aperture provided therein andarranged at a fixed position defiNing an inspection station so that eachof said windows registers momentarily with said aperture during rotationof said star wheel with said momentary registration comprising aninspection interval, said light-emitting device flooding the exterior ofsaid wall means with light during said inspection interval so that lightpasses from the exterior to the interior of each container which has anopening in its wall means through an associated window and through saidaperture to energize said photosensitive device, said wall means of eachof said containers comprising a tubular wall terminating in a pair ofoppositely arranged rims each defining an open end, each open-endedcontainer being mounted in its associated cradle with one of its rimsarranged adjacent its associated window and its opposite rim arrangedadjacent associated end sealing means, and said apparatus furthercomprising means urging the end sealing means in a lightproof manneragainst said opposite rim of each associated container while urging theassociated container axially along its cradle until its one rim is urgedagainst said plate surrounding an associated window and during saidinspection interval to provide a lightproof seal between each tubularwall and said plate.
 21. An apparatus as set forth in claim 20 in whichsaid urging means comprises a fixed cam plate and a plurality of camroller assemblies corresponding in number to said plurality of cradlesand being rotatable simultaneously with said star wheel, each assemblybeing arranged in axial alignment with an associated cradle and eachassembly having cooperating cam rollers adjacent the rear end thereofengaging said cam plate and having an opaque forward portion adapted toengage and urge its associated container axially along its cradle, andthe opaque forward portion of each assembly defining said end sealingmeans.
 22. An apparatus as set forth in claim 21 in which each assemblyfurther comprises a transparent member fixed rearwardly of each opaqueforward portion, said transparent member allowing light from saidlight-emitting device to pass therethrough and be reflected byreflective surfaces of said star wheel to assure light surrounds theentire outer surface of each associated open-ended container.
 23. Anapparatus as set forth in claim 20 and further comprising positioningmeans tending to position each of said containers axially along itsassociated cradle so that said one rim is moved away from said platefollowing said inspection interval.
 24. An apparatus as set forth inclaim 23 in which said positioning means comprises a plurality ofresilient annular members each arranged surrounding an associated windowin said plate, each resilient member being deflected toward saidinspection station by said urging means urging an associated containerthereagainst and each resilient member utilizing its inherent resiliencyto axially move an associated container away from said plate uponretraction of said urging means following said inspection interval. 25.An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which said rotatable carriercomprises a rotatable wheel-like carrier which is rotatable in asubstantially vertical plane, and each of said cradles is arrangedadjacent the periphery of said carrier so that it supports an associatedcontainer horizontally.
 26. An apparatus for automatically inspectingwall means of containers, said apparatus comprising, a light-emittingdevice, a photosensitive device, a rotatable carrier for serially movingeach of said containers between said devices enabling any opening inwall means of each container to be detected by light passingtherethrough and energizing said photosensitive device, and a mechanismactuated by said photosensitive device to reject each container havingan opening in its wall means, said rotatable carrier having a pluralityof cradles each suitable for carrying one container, said rotatablecarrier comprising a rotatable star wheel having said plurality ofcradles and having an opaqUe plate defining one side thereof with saidplate having a plurality of windows provided therein corresponding innumber to said plurality of cradles with each window being arrangedadjacent an associated cradle, said photosensitive device being mountedadjacent the exterior surface of said plate and having a light-receivingaperture provided therein and arranged at a fixed position defining aninspection station so that each of said windows registers momentarilywith said aperture during rotation of said star wheel with saidmomentary registration comprising an inspection interval, saidlight-emitting device flooding the exterior of said wall means withlight during said inspection interval so that light passes from theexterior to the interior of each container which has an opening in itswall means through an associated window and through said aperture toenergize said photosensitive device, said photosensitive device beingmounted at a fixed position outwardly of said opaque plate and furthercomprising shielding means cooperating between exterior surface means ofsaid photosensitive device adjoining said light-receiving aperture andthe exterior surface of said plate during rotation thereof, saidshielding means assuring unwanted light is kept away from saidlight-receiving aperture of said photosensitive device, said shieldingmeans comprising a pivotally mounted assembly having a swinging endportion and a lightproof seal at one end of said swinging end portionwhich is adapted to engage said exterior surface means of saidphotosensitive device in surrounding relation around saidlight-receiving aperture and having another lightproof seal provided atthe opposite end of said swinging end portion which is yieldingly heldagainst the outer surface of said opaque plate during rotation thereof.27. An apparatus as set forth in claim 26 in which said lightproof sealfixed to said opposite end of said assembly comprises an annular sealmade of a plastic antifriction material.
 28. An apparatus as set forthin claim 27 in which said swinging end portion of said pivotally mountedassembly has a head portion which is universally mounted for movement ina plurality of directions to assure that a lightproof seal is providedbetween said outer surface of said opaque plate and said photosensitivedevice under conditions where the plate does not rotate in a truevertical plane.
 29. An apparatus as set forth in claim 28 and furthercomprising urging means for urging said head portion and its associatedannular seal against said plate.
 30. An apparatus as set forth in claim29 and further comprising adjusting means for adjusting the position ofsaid outer head portion and the force exerted by said urging means tohold said annular seal against the outer surface of said plate toprovide a lightproof seal and compensate for wear in said annular seal.31. An apparatus for automatically inspecting for any opening in wallmeans of containers, said apparatus comprising a light-emitting device,a photosensitive device, a main rotatable star wheel having a pluralityof container-carrying cradles each receiving and carrying one containertherein, said main star wheel serially moving each of said containersbetween said devices with each container held in its associated cradleto allow light from said light-emitting device to pass through anyopening in wall means of each container to energize said photosensitivedevice, a discharge star wheel having a plurality of cradle meansadapted to receive inspected containers from said container-carryingcradles of said main star wheel, a plurality of linkage assembliescorresponding in number to said plurality of cradle means and eachlinkage assembly being supported adjacent an associated cradle means,and an actuator operatively associating with said linkage assemblies andenergized by said photosensitive device to reject each container havingan opening it its wall means.
 32. An apparatus as set forth in claim 31in which each liNkage assembly comprises a yoke-shaped member having anarcuate outer end which helps comprise supporting surface means of anassociated cradle means comprising said discharge star wheel.
 33. Anapparatus as set forth in claim 32 and further comprising first fixedcam means, yielding means for normally yieldingly holding a portion ofeach linkage assembly against said first cam means, and second fixed cammeans for moving each linkage assembly and hence each yoke-shaped memberto a position of maximum opening to enable easy entry of a containerfrom the main star wheel into an associated cradle means whereupon saidyielding means returns said portion of said assembly against said firstcam means causing the associated yoke-shaped member to be pivoted so thewidth at the entrance of the associated cradle means is substantiallysmaller than the diameter of an associated container whereby suchcontainer is firmly held in position with high speed rotation of saiddischarge star wheel while maintaining the outside surface means thereofsubstantially intact and in an undamaged condition.
 34. An apparatus asset forth in claim 33 and further comprising movable cam means attachedto said actuator, said movable cam means being moved by said actuatorupon determining that a defective container is present in the associatedcradle means to thereby override said yielding means and move saidportion of the associated linkage assembly outwardly to provide amaximum width opening at the entrance of the associated cradle means toeject the unacceptable container from said discharge star wheel.
 35. Anapparatus as set forth in claim 33 and further comprising a third fixedcam means arranged downstream of said movable cam means and adapted toengage said portion of each assembly and move the associated yoke-shapedmember to an open position and thereby discharge each acceptablecontainer remaining in an associated cradle means of said discharge starwheel.
 36. A method of inspecting wall means of containers at high speedcomprising the steps of, placing a light-emitting device at a fixedposition, placing a photosensitive device at a fixed position spacedfrom the fixed position of said light-emitting device to define aninspection station, supporting a plurality of containers to be inspectedon a rotatable carrier having a plurality of cradles each receiving andsupporting the weight of one container therein and each cradlesupporting its container so as to allow axial sliding movement of thecontainer along its cradle, rotating said carrier to serially move eachof said containers between said devices with each container held in itsassociated cradle to allow light from said light-emitting device to passthrough any opening in wall means of each container to energize saidphotosensitive device, and relatively moving each container andassociated shielding means substantially parallel to the axis of thecontainer and into light-shielding engagement using associated urgingmeans so that at said inspection station said photosensitive device onlyreceives light from said light-emitting device which has passed throughan opening in wall means of a container to thereby energize saidphotosensitive device.
 37. A method as set forth in claim 36 in whichsaid step of rotating said carrier comprises rotating said carrier in acontinuous nonindexing manner, thus facilitating high speed movement ofthe containers through the inspection station.
 38. A method ofinspecting wall means of containers at high speed comprising the stepsof, placing a light-emitting device at a fixed position, placing aphotosensitive device at a fixed position spaced from the fixed positionof said light-emitting device to define an inspection station,supporting a plurality of containers to be inspected on a rotatablecarrier having a plurality of cradles each receiving and carrying onecontainer therein, rotating said carrier to serially move each of saidcontainers between said devices with each container held in itsassociated cradle to allow light from said light-emitting device to passthrough any opening in wall means of each container to energize saidphotosensitive device, and transferring said containers from saidfirst-named rotatable carrier to a second rotatable carrier whilecontinuously rotating said carriers at high speed, and mechanicallyejecting each unacceptable container having an opening in its wall meansfrom said second rotatable carrier and at an associated containerrejection station.
 39. A method as set forth in claim 38 in which saidstep of supporting said plurality of containers on said first-namedrotatable carrier comprises the step of supporting said containers sothat light from said light-emitting device floods only the exteriorthereof and must pass through any opening in wall means in eachcontainer to the interior thereof to energize said photosensitivedevice.
 40. A method as set forth in claim 38 comprising the furthersteps of placing reflecting surface means on said first-named rotatablecarrier in position to reflect light from said light-emitting device,said light being reflected by said surface means toward the exteriorsurface of each container during inspection thereof at said station,thereby adding the reflecting light from said light-emitting device toits direct light for illumination of the entire exterior surface of eachcontainer.
 41. A method as set forth in claim 36 in which saidsupporting step comprises supporting each container in a cradle of awheel-like carrier which is rotatable in a substantially vertical plane.42. An apparatus as set forth in claim 1 in which each of said cradlesprovides the sole support for its associated container.